Multicultural Language Services Guidelines

The Multicultural Language Services Guidelines for Tasmanian Government Agencies reflect the Tasmanian Government's
commitment to the development of whole-of-government communication strategies
that address language barriers.

The Guidelines
aim to enhance access to interpreters and translated information for people
from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds to enable equitable
access to the full range of services.

The Guidelines provide
guidance on the following matters:

establishing
agency policies and protocols for the use of translating and interpreting
services: This includes promoting the
engagement of credentialed interpreter (ie NAATI Accredited or Recognised
Translators and Interpreters) in circumstances where people experience difficulties
communicating in English;

facilitating
staff awareness training and development;

improving
data quality;

the
provision of multilingual information; and

agency
planning and budgeting.

The Guidelines provide
guidance on the general principles and approach to be undertaken by agencies in
the development of their own translating and interpreting policies and
procedures, as well as the provision of multilingual information services specific
to their core business.

Use of the National Interpreter Symbol

The National Interpreter Symbol is a national public
information symbol which provides a simple way of indicating where people with
limited English proficiency can ask for language assistance when using
government services. Government service
providers are encouraged to display the symbol in a variety of settings
including client contact areas where language services are available. By displaying the symbol Tasmanian Government
agencies indicate to people with limited English that they are committed to
providing accessible and equitable services, and that they can arrange an
interpreter if needed.

Tasmanian Government agencies should provide a
direct link on their website contact details page to information on
interpreters, which incorporates the National Interpreter Symbol.